Episode 59 | Ghost Fungi and the Physics of Wonder with Dr Karen Livesey

Photograph by Ian Dunlop

In this episode, we join Dr Karen Livesey, founder of Glenrock Ghost Fungus Tours, for a journey into one of Australia's most remarkable hidden worlds. Beneath the canopy of a forest after dark, tiny green lights emerge, revealing ghost fungi that seem almost too extraordinary to be real.

But this conversation reaches far beyond glowing mushrooms.

Together, we explore the hidden mycelium networks that connect our forests, the science behind bioluminescence, and the surprising relationship between knowledge and wonder. Rather than taking the magic away, understanding how these extraordinary phenomena occur only deepens our appreciation for the natural world.

Whether you're fascinated by science, captivated by the mysteries of nature, or simply looking for a reason to slow down and see the world differently, this episode is an invitation to look a little closer.

Because sometimes the most extraordinary discoveries aren't about finding something new.

They're about finally noticing what has been there all along.

Meet Dr Karen Livesey

Dr Karen Livesey is a physicist, educator and passionate science communicator whose career has been dedicated to making science accessible, engaging and deeply human.

An Honorary Associate Professor of Physics and Chair of the New South Wales branch of the Australian Institute of Physics, Karen has spent decades helping people discover that science isn't confined to laboratories or textbooks—it's woven through every aspect of our everyday lives.

After moving to Newcastle in 2020, Karen and her family found themselves captivated by the incredible diversity of fungi growing throughout the Hunter region. What began as simple curiosity soon grew into a passion for understanding these remarkable organisms and the hidden worlds they create beneath our feet.

That curiosity eventually led to the creation of Glenrock Ghost Fungus Tours, inspired by an idea from Karen's son, Torrin. Together, they wanted to share one of nature's most extraordinary spectacles: the chance to witness Australia's native ghost fungi glowing softly in the darkness of Glenrock State Conservation Area.

Today, Karen's tours have become much more than an opportunity to see bioluminescent fungi. They are an invitation to slow down, experience the forest after dark, ask questions, and rediscover the sense of awe that comes from truly paying attention to the natural world.

Whether she's explaining quantum physics, the chemistry of bioluminescence, or the hidden mycelium networks that connect our forests, Karen has a remarkable ability to transform complex scientific ideas into stories that leave people not only understanding more—but wondering more.

Experience Glenrock Ghost Fungus Tours

For a few short weeks each year, something remarkable happens beneath the forest canopy at Glenrock State Conservation Area.

As darkness falls and your eyes slowly adjust, ghost fungi begin to reveal themselves—soft green lights glowing from fallen logs and hidden amongst the leaf litter. It's a natural phenomenon that feels almost impossible until you're standing quietly in the forest, witnessing it for yourself.

Led by Dr Karen Livesey, the Glenrock Ghost Fungus Tours are much more than a chance to see bioluminescent mushrooms. They're an immersive journey into the hidden world of fungi, where science, storytelling and childlike curiosity come together beneath the stars.

Along the way, you'll discover the incredible role fungi play in our ecosystems, learn about the unseen mycelium networks beneath your feet, uncover the physics behind bioluminescence, and gain a whole new appreciation for the extraordinary life that surrounds us every day.

Because the tours are entirely dependent on weather conditions and the brief fruiting season of the ghost fungi, dates are often released at very short notice. Every walk is unique, shaped by the forest, the season and the ever-changing natural world.

Whether you're a nature lover, photographer, science enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys experiencing something truly different, the Glenrock Ghost Fungus Tours offer a rare opportunity to slow down, look closer, and witness one of Australia's most enchanting natural wonders.

We can't recommend these tours highly enough.

Beyond the stunning photographs and fascinating science shared across Glenrock Ghost Fungus Tours' social media, following their pages is the best way to know when ghost fungus season begins. Because sightings depend entirely on nature—and tickets are often released with very little notice—we'd encourage you to join the mailing list, follow along on social media, and be ready to book when the season starts. Trust us, it's an experience you'll be talking about long after you've left the forest.